Scientists develop pacemaker fit for babies

Researchers have created a pacemaker small enough to be implanted in babies. A pacemaker is a small device placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms. It uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

The device measures one cubic centimetre, the size of a large pill. Due to their size, pacemakers currently implanted into very small children either remain outside the body or need open surgery with a large cut or incision to fit in.

All that is required to fit the new pacemaker under the ribcage is a one-centimetre incision. The average time for the procedure from incision to implantation was 21 minutes, and the entire procedure took less than an hour on average.

FASTER AND LESS INVASIVE

In contrast, paediatric open-heart surgery could take up to several hours, depending on the child’s medical complexities. The final step is to insert the pacemaker into the incision and close the skin, leaving a tiny scar instead of two large suture lines.

Scientists say the procedure is faster and less invasive, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery for the children. Its tiny size allows it to be implanted inside the child with minimal discomfort and surgery.

With the new device, the overall costs of the procedure and follow-up treatment are expected to reduce.

So far, the research has been carried out on infant models. Work is however moving toward clinical trials that may lead to significant changes on how abnormal baby heartbeats or infant cardiac arrhythmias are treated.